2 answers
Dakota
Student
Newton Falls, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
158 views
What careers could I be interested in?
I am a freshmen in high school that isn't too sure of what to do. I would say I am empathetic, quick to learn things, very open to whatever. I would maybe like something that could help people.
Login to comment
1 answer
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1104
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Dakota:
When it comes to making future decisions, I normally outline a highly structured, passion-driven approach to choosing a career. Basically, emphasizing things that are in alignment between internal values, personal enthusiasm, and real-world experimentation.
My core philosophy and actionable steps for selecting the right professional path include:
1. The "Work for Free" Litmus Test
Your ideal career must be rooted in true enthusiasm, rather than just a casual interest. Many times, with my past students, I frequently pose a core value, which is: "Choose something that you love to do so much that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway." I also note that when you reach a level where you cannot wait to get into the office every morning, you know you have found the right path.
2. Conduct a Self-Assessment
Before researching industries, I advise starting internally. A structured self-assessment should help you clearly define four pillars:
• Your core skills
• Your genuine interests
• Your personal values
• The specific lifestyle you wish to attain
3. Leverage Local Resources
Rather than navigating the career landscape alone, I urge students to utilize their local county, university or college career centers. I always highlight two specific ways to use them:
• Target Recruiting Trips: Attend events where outside employers visit the college so you can speak directly with industry professionals about daily occupational realities.
• Informational Interviews: Conduct structured conversations with local entities, including your regional business organizations, occupational skills centers, and college professors, to dissect market realities and career trajectories.
4. Investigate Job Market Trends
A viable career path must balance passion with stability. I always emphasize the importance of analyzing national and regional job market trends to ensure that your chosen path aligns with long-term economic demand.
5. Gain Practical, Lower-Stakes Experience
To protect yourself from committing to a path you might later regret, I strongly promote testing fields through internships or volunteer work. This low-risk exposure allows you to safely determine if a career is a good daily fit before making a long-term academic or professional commitment.
I hope that these suggestions have been helpful. Best of luck in your future career goals.
When it comes to making future decisions, I normally outline a highly structured, passion-driven approach to choosing a career. Basically, emphasizing things that are in alignment between internal values, personal enthusiasm, and real-world experimentation.
My core philosophy and actionable steps for selecting the right professional path include:
1. The "Work for Free" Litmus Test
Your ideal career must be rooted in true enthusiasm, rather than just a casual interest. Many times, with my past students, I frequently pose a core value, which is: "Choose something that you love to do so much that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway." I also note that when you reach a level where you cannot wait to get into the office every morning, you know you have found the right path.
2. Conduct a Self-Assessment
Before researching industries, I advise starting internally. A structured self-assessment should help you clearly define four pillars:
• Your core skills
• Your genuine interests
• Your personal values
• The specific lifestyle you wish to attain
3. Leverage Local Resources
Rather than navigating the career landscape alone, I urge students to utilize their local county, university or college career centers. I always highlight two specific ways to use them:
• Target Recruiting Trips: Attend events where outside employers visit the college so you can speak directly with industry professionals about daily occupational realities.
• Informational Interviews: Conduct structured conversations with local entities, including your regional business organizations, occupational skills centers, and college professors, to dissect market realities and career trajectories.
4. Investigate Job Market Trends
A viable career path must balance passion with stability. I always emphasize the importance of analyzing national and regional job market trends to ensure that your chosen path aligns with long-term economic demand.
5. Gain Practical, Lower-Stakes Experience
To protect yourself from committing to a path you might later regret, I strongly promote testing fields through internships or volunteer work. This low-risk exposure allows you to safely determine if a career is a good daily fit before making a long-term academic or professional commitment.
I hope that these suggestions have been helpful. Best of luck in your future career goals.